IU Southeast Joins "You Can Play" Initiative

Program signifies a commitment to inclusiveness and tolerance throughout the athletic department

April 24, 2014

By: Stephen Utz, IU Southeast Sports Information Specialist

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – The IU Southeast athletic department has launched a video campaign joining with the You Can Play project to promote an attitude of inclusiveness and tolerance that encompasses the athletic programs at IU Southeast. IU Southeast is the first Indiana University campus to produce a video for the You Can Play organization.

Diane Reid, Coordinator of Diversity for Academic Affairs and Michael Abernethy, Lecturer of Communication Studies, brought the vision for the video to the athletic department and University Communications staffs which helped produce the campaign.

According to Diane Reid, "IU Southeast wants to become a model for the support of diversity on campus and in our community. With the launch of this video, we will join other universities who have publicly committed their support to creating a positive, welcoming climate for their athletes. We are proud to be the first campus in the IU system to join the You Can Play project."

Other universities that have produced videos for the organization include: Stanford University, the University of Missouri and University of Cincinnati.

The video features student-athletes, coaches and administrators. It is featured on the athletic department website, social media and University video outlets.

"One of the IU Southeast athletic department's top priorities is to promote an atmosphere of inclusion in all of our programs regardless of race, religion. sexual orientation or gender," IU Southeast Athletic Director Joe Glover said. "This video is just one way that illustrates our commitment to inclusiveness and tolerance throughout our department and campus community."

About You Can Play:You Can Play is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation. You Can Play seeks to challenge the culture of locker rooms and spectator areas by focusing only on an athlete's skills, work ethic and competitive spirit. Click here to learn more about the You Can Play project.